Nipple Tattoo. What is Areola re-pigmentation? Areola re-pigmentation is a process of tattooing is done mainly in breast cancer survivors who have had reconstructive surgery. In most cases, the surgeon will create a nipple and graft it onto the patient's chest. Once this is well healed, a tattoo artist who specializes in areola pigmentation, natural color a tattoo in the graft. The color is usually chosen to complement the healthy breast. In some cases, the surgeon will not create a nipple, and tattooing can be done to simulate a nipple in 3-D artistic effects. Light and shadow can create a look that is realistic from a distance. Some customers have asked about their dark areolas natural health due to aging and fading through the years. This can be done, and really no different than a traditional tattoo.